Swiss to ban mercury exports by 2027, environmentalists want it to stop now

The government of Switzerland have decided to allow the export of mercury to continue for another decade.

This puts the Swiss out of step with the rest of Europe who have enacted a full export ban and they have been described as the ‘weak link’ in Europe in the control of the dangerous neurotoxin.

A Swiss government statements this week explained that subject to approval by the Federal Environmental Office, exports of mercury dental amalgam will be permitted until the end of 2027.

The deadline for other mercury exports, for electric discharge lamps and welding machines, was set for the end of 2020.

The measures are aimed at withdrawing recycled mercury from the global market and store it safely, according to the statement.

Earlier in the week over 50 environmental organisations called on the government of Switzerland to enact a full ban. The letter said that commercial interests appear to have convinced the government to extend the deadline but asked them to resist.

Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause serious health problems and needs to be controlled. In August the Minamata Convention on Mercury came into force. It is an international treaty designed to control and phase out certain mercury uses. The first Convention of the Parties to the treaty was recently held in Geneva.

Ian is the editor of Meta. He works as the Communications Manager of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). He has previously worked in environmental advocacy in Ireland as well as a journalist and news editor.

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